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Robert J. Osborn, professor

Robert Johnathan Osborn, 87, of Chestnut Hill, a retired professor of political science, died Dec. 11, at Chestnut Hill Hospital.

Dr. Osborn was professor and chairman of the Department of Political Science at Temple University when he retired in 1996. His specialty was Russia and the former Soviet republics. He had previously taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

He was born and raised in Evanston, Ill., and graduated from Evanston Township High School and Swarthmore College. He received his doctorate in political science from Columbia University.

An avid violist, he was a long-term member of several community orchestras.

Dr. Osborn was deeply involved with the communities of Germantown Friends Meeting and later First United Methodist Church of Germantown.

He enjoyed extensive travel, including frequent bird-watching trips in his later years.

He is survived by a son, Edward; a daughter, Barbara; a brother Howard; and three grandchildren. Dr. Osborn’s wife, Susan P. Osborn, died in 1969.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at First United Methodist Church of Germantown, 6001 Germantown Ave.